Quinn Ophthalmology Mission Trip to Ghana
Donation protected
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing this letter to share an amazing opportunity that God has given me the chance to be a part of in March of this year. Last year, during my first year of medical school I took an interest to the specialty of Ophthalmology. I have had some exposure to it with Dr. Barry Welch in Cody and it has since peaked my interest for multiple reasons. One of the main reasons that this specialty is attractive to me is the vast amount of mission work that can be done all around the world that will provide immediate impact to the patient.
Being the curious person I am I decided to reach out to one of the top organizations making an impact around the world…the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP). With a website like ‘cureblindness.org’ I knew they shared my sentiment for large visions and vast goals. Together with its partners, HCP has screened and examined over 5.2 million patients from 16 countries and provided over 445,000 surgeries. In order to strengthen and induce true change in these regions, HCP has also been providing education and training. Since 2005, HCP has trained over 300 ophthalmic personnel from 19 countries. Their mission is as simple to say as it is difficult to execute, to eradicate preventable and curable blindness in the developing world.
After a chain of emails I landed in the inbox of Dr. John Welling, an Ophthalmologist from Oregon, and HCP’s lead ophthalmologist in Ghana. He extended an invite to come on a future trip to aid in the operating room and to help gather data for future research. Since then, Dr. Welling has reached out to invite me to be a part of their next trip starting on March 4th. On their last trip to Ghana in November, they performed 481 sight restoring cataract surgeries in just 4 days. Yes… you read that correctly.
In order to make this trip a reality I am asking God to develop a foundational team for both prayer and finances. HCP has been extremely kind to me and has offered to cover all my costs when in Ghana including lodging, food, project fees, etc. But I will need to cover my own airfare which will be $1700. I understand that $1700 is no small amount of money, and if push comes to shove Alli and I will find a way to fully fund this trip. But I wanted to ask that you would prayerfully consider contributing if God puts it on your heart. Anything given will be deeply appreciated.
Whether you are able to give financially or not, prayer is even more important. HCP is not a ministry focused organization, but I do deeply believe that this trip could be an integral first step towards future vision and action that will allow myself and the people I meet to be the hands and feet of Christ in a very tangible way. (Lets face it… how much closer to the gospel does it get than restoring sight?).
If God puts it on your heart to help support my trip you can donate here. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to learn more about the Himalayan Cataract Project you can do so at cureblindness.org. I love you and am beyond blessed to know you. Having people in my life that are willing to invest in me and my endeavors is a blessing that words cannot describe. My deepest desire has been, and always will be, to bring the kingdom wherever I go and this trip will be no different.
With Love,
Quinn
I am writing this letter to share an amazing opportunity that God has given me the chance to be a part of in March of this year. Last year, during my first year of medical school I took an interest to the specialty of Ophthalmology. I have had some exposure to it with Dr. Barry Welch in Cody and it has since peaked my interest for multiple reasons. One of the main reasons that this specialty is attractive to me is the vast amount of mission work that can be done all around the world that will provide immediate impact to the patient.
Being the curious person I am I decided to reach out to one of the top organizations making an impact around the world…the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP). With a website like ‘cureblindness.org’ I knew they shared my sentiment for large visions and vast goals. Together with its partners, HCP has screened and examined over 5.2 million patients from 16 countries and provided over 445,000 surgeries. In order to strengthen and induce true change in these regions, HCP has also been providing education and training. Since 2005, HCP has trained over 300 ophthalmic personnel from 19 countries. Their mission is as simple to say as it is difficult to execute, to eradicate preventable and curable blindness in the developing world.
After a chain of emails I landed in the inbox of Dr. John Welling, an Ophthalmologist from Oregon, and HCP’s lead ophthalmologist in Ghana. He extended an invite to come on a future trip to aid in the operating room and to help gather data for future research. Since then, Dr. Welling has reached out to invite me to be a part of their next trip starting on March 4th. On their last trip to Ghana in November, they performed 481 sight restoring cataract surgeries in just 4 days. Yes… you read that correctly.
In order to make this trip a reality I am asking God to develop a foundational team for both prayer and finances. HCP has been extremely kind to me and has offered to cover all my costs when in Ghana including lodging, food, project fees, etc. But I will need to cover my own airfare which will be $1700. I understand that $1700 is no small amount of money, and if push comes to shove Alli and I will find a way to fully fund this trip. But I wanted to ask that you would prayerfully consider contributing if God puts it on your heart. Anything given will be deeply appreciated.
Whether you are able to give financially or not, prayer is even more important. HCP is not a ministry focused organization, but I do deeply believe that this trip could be an integral first step towards future vision and action that will allow myself and the people I meet to be the hands and feet of Christ in a very tangible way. (Lets face it… how much closer to the gospel does it get than restoring sight?).
If God puts it on your heart to help support my trip you can donate here. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to learn more about the Himalayan Cataract Project you can do so at cureblindness.org. I love you and am beyond blessed to know you. Having people in my life that are willing to invest in me and my endeavors is a blessing that words cannot describe. My deepest desire has been, and always will be, to bring the kingdom wherever I go and this trip will be no different.
With Love,
Quinn
Organizer
Quinn Rivera
Organizer
Cody, WY